Audio Always launches 'Manchester Amplified' for arts organisations across Greater Manchester

To celebrate its 10th year, Audio Always launches ‘Manchester Amplified’, a new scheme created to amplify the talent and creativity of arts and culture in Greater Manchester.

Recognising that the arts and culture industry has been particularly impacted during the COVID pandemic, the scheme aims to support individual artists and arts organisations by reaching new audiences via podcasting.

Applicants may be looking to tell their creative stories, undertake an exploration of existing work, promote or amplify a project, or maybe improve audio accessibility to the arts in the form of a podcast.

The scheme is open to arts organisation in all forms, from theatre groups and music performers to the visual artists and writers.

Audio Always will support projects through access to studio recording, production and editing support, remote recording kit hire, mentoring and training from radio producers or audio technicians, and creative project development.

Successful projects will be selected by a panel of experts from across arts and media. They include Director of Music at MIF, Jane Beese; BBC Radio 3 presenter and Chineke! Orchestra bassoonist, Linton Stephens; theatre-maker, writer and actor, Nathaniel J Hall; and the new Artistic Director and CEO of Contact, Keisha Thompson.

Audio Always was founded at MediaCityUK in 2012, when the BBC moved a number of their programmes and departments to Salford. Over the past decade it has grown to be the biggest independent audio production company outside-of-London, delivering more than 400 hours of content each month. In addition to its shows across the BBC’s national radio stations, Audio Always works with brands and agencies to bring commercial sound ideas to life, delivers a range of audiobooks each month for the UK’s biggest publishers, and offers state-of-the-art audio visual studios at MediaCityUK.

Stuart Morgan is Audio Always’ Managing Director, ‘We’re so proud to be based in Greater Manchester, and as we celebrate our 10th anniversary we’re delighted to be able to support the artists and organisations that make the region so special. We’ve seen podcast listenership grow as more people stayed at home over the last two years and hope Manchester Amplified will bring new audiences to some of the incredible work being forged by our creative communities.’

Siân Roberts, Development Producer for arts and culture at Audio Always comments, “We’re really looking forward to uncovering some of the exciting and inspiring work that is taking place across the ten boroughs. We want Manchester Amplified to truly represent the diverse breadth of talent and ideas that we know is out there.”

To submit a proposal for Manchester Amplified visit this website and complete the short application form, including a written or audio pitch. Applications close on Wednesday 25 May.